Characteristics of Groupthink Description Invulnerability Members feel they cannot fail

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Characteristics of Groupthink

Description

Invulnerability

Members feel they cannot fail.

Rationalization

Members explain away warning signs and help each other rationalize their decision.

Lack of introspection

Members do not examine the ethical implications of their decision because they believe that they cannot make immoral choices.

Stereotyping

Members stereotype their enemies as weak, stupid, or unreasonable.

Pressure

Members pressure each other not to question the prevailing opinion.

Lack of disagreement

Members do not express opinions that differ from the group consensus.

Self-deception

Members share in the illusion that they all agree with the decision.

Insularity

Members prevent the group from hearing disruptive but potentially useful information from people who are outside the group.

 

Groupthink does not lead to good decisions. Describe a time when you participated in a group decision that was not effective. The situation can involve family, work, or a social group. Was the problem easily solved, difficult to solve, or not solved at all? What characteristics of groupthink were involved?